Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has opened up on his ‘archenemy’ Brendan Cole
Gemma Jones SEO Writer and Jane Lavender
08:00, 23 Oct 2025
Craig Revel Horwood ‘hated’ his co-star(Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has revealed he and Brendan Cole were “archenemies” during a long-running bitter rivalry. The BBC programme’s panellist and professional dancer clashed repeatedly over the years, with Craig now explaining the origins of their feud.
Speaking to Radio Times, Craig said: “In my screen test I had to judge footage of two contestants rehearsing. I said, ‘She can hardly walk down the stairs, and the professional has the bowest legs I’ve ever seen’.
“That couple was Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole, and they went on to win it. By the end of that series, it was nail-bitingly exciting.”
He added: “It won the hearts and minds of a nation. As for Brendan, we really were archenemies. He was very mouthy and he’d say, ‘Oh, what would you know?’ So I secretly studied ballroom with Len’s wife Sue, because knowledge is power.”
Brendan Cole was a dancer on the show for several years(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Brendan featured in every series of Strictly from its 2004 debut until 2018, when bosses informed him his contract would not be renewed, reports the Express.
Discussing Brendan’s exit at the time, Craig said: “I think it was a good time for Brendan to go. He’s got a fantastic platform and can now build his career. You can’t dance forever.”
Nevertheless, Brendan appeared reluctant to retire from dancing altogether. Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine, he admitted: “It’s quite, actually, hard to talk about. The BBC haven’t renewed my contract. We get contracted year upon year.
“They’ve made an editorial decision to not have me back on the show. I’m a little bit in shock.
“I’m quite emotional, a bit raw about it. It’s done via a process of a phone call and stuff.
Craig said that he and Brendan were enemies(Image: Getty)
“I have had 15 incredible series on the show. I’m very proud of the whole show. It’s a great team.”
Craig has since admitted that he extended an olive branch to Brendan after their disagreement, though for a rather specific reason.
He acknowledges his intentions behind the reconciliation weren’t completely selfless.
During an appearance on Kate Thornton’s podcast White Wine Question Time, Craig said: “I invited him around two years ago to my house. I hadn’t spoken to him for years. I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to see Brendan,’ just to see if he’s working..”
Kate burst out laughing: “What a b***h!”.
Craig went on: “Oh god this is going out to people, isn’t it? Anyway, he had an electric car. He was showing off. We hated each other.”
